Pharmacist, Chemist, Doctor of Pharmacy, Druggist,

Names
Apothecary or simply Doctor
Occupation
Professional
type
Activity sectors Health care, health sciences, chemical sciences
Description
Education Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Pharmacy, Bachelor of
required Pharmacy, Diploma in Pharmacy
Physician, pharmacy technician, toxicologist, chemist, pharmacy
Related jobs
assistant, other medical specialists

What is pharmacy?

Pharmacy is the science of preparing and dispensing medical drugs. The study
of pharmacy involves chemistry and pharmaceutics, among other specialist
topics. A pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional who specialises in
providing information about different medication and methods of treatment
to patients. They have well-informed knowledge of all kinds of medicines, what
they are used for and their side effects. Also sometimes called a chemist, a
pharmacist usually works in a pharmacy and can recommend over-the-counter
medicines as well as dispensing treatments or drugs prescribed by a general
practitioner. There are multiple types of pharmacists, including community
pharmacists and hospital pharmacists.

Why study a pharmacy degree?

Treat and prevent disease

You may want to study pharmacy if you have a desire to help people through
your work. As a pharmacist, you will be at the forefront of the treatment
and prevention of disease in society. This is an aspect of the job that is
universal, which means the skills developed during a pharmacy degree can be
utilised anywhere in the world.
Gain patient-centred responsibilities

This profession is very patient-focused, as you are likely to be the first person
a patient will see for information on their illness. Pharmacists are often
recommended to provide medical advice if a patient’s symptoms are not
severe, meaning that they should be able to assess a patient’s needs and
address them attentively.

Scientific research and development opportunities

If you wish to become a pharmacist, you’ll also have the option to undertake
scientific research and development opportunities in the workplace, which can
further expand your career options and introduce variety into your role. It is
worth considering that universities and research institutions also directly
recruit pharmacy graduates, if this type of work is in your interest.

Develop advanced knowledge and skills

In a career of this nature you will be constantly learning and improving your
understanding of medicine and how to better assess and treat illnesses.
Additional specialist skills you will gain include effective, professional
communication, the operation of pharmaceutical instrumentation and
knowledge of the law and ethical concerns relating to the supply of medicines.

Job stability

As a pharmacy graduate, you will also benefit from job security, as the skills
learned in a pharmacy degree are specialised and pharmacist expertise are
required globally. In 2019, it was reported that 98% of pharmacy students
were in employment within six months of graduating from their degree
(Prospects).

Flexible career options

Qualifying in pharmacy can lead to a variety of job roles, which often offer
good professional progression. Alternatively to becoming a pharmacist, you
could use your knowledge of medicine to become a research scientist, medical
science liaison, pharmacologist, or toxicologist, among other professions.
Access different industries

As well as different job roles, there are also a variety of fields you can enter
with a degree in pharmacy. The majority of graduates do become health
professionals, as the study is designed for that type of work, but many
pharmacy students also go into business, sales and financial roles or find work
in the childcare, health and education industries.

Science and maths-focused studies

A degree in pharmacy incorporates maths and science, specifically biology and

chemistry. If you have an interest or excel in these subjects, you will likely
enjoy studying pharmacy at university, as you will be able to develop your
numeracy and problem-solving skills to employ them in a practical way.